We assume they’ll keep him this time.
The Red Sox initially signed Scott Atchison as a minor league free agent after the 2007 season, only to sell him to the Hanshin Tigers a month later. He compiled a 2.77 ERA in two seasons out of the pen for the Tigers, but he expressed his desire to return to the U.S. after the conclusion of last season. The Red Sox still liked him and offered him a major league deal worth just more than the minimum. They’re also getting team options for 2011 and ’12.
Before heading east, the 33-year-old Atchison posted a 4.10 ERA and a 70/25 K/BB ratio in 68 innings as a major leaguer. He had a difficult time earning opportunities because he doesn’t throw much over 90 mph, but both his slider and curveball are major league pitches. If he picked up any new tricks in Japan, he has a chance to be a significant asset in middle relief.